Muckle help two transport tech leaders link up
A team of lawyers from across the firm have advised LDC-backed Mandata, one of the UK and Ireland’s leading transport management software providers, on strengthening its service offering by adding Stirling Solutions to its group.
Newcastle-headquartered Mandata (Management and Data Services) Ltd and Stirling Solutions Ltd will together form the newly created Mandata Group, serving 2,000 customers through its 120-strong team.
Corporate lawyers Adam Rayner and Stephanie Brown provided legal advice on the corporate finance aspects of the deal, while Mandata were also supported with banking advice from Kevin Maloney; property advice from Gail Bennett; employment advice from Lisa Kelly; and commercial advice from Sam Roberts.
The road to success
The companies develop software that allows operators in all sectors of the road transport and logistics industry to manage their businesses more effectively.
The move combines the expertise of two of the longest established software providers as they look to the future and bring the best integrated transport technology to the sector.
As well as this latest transaction, Adam and Stephanie have also advised on two previous deals.
In June 2018, LDC, the UK’s leading mid-market private equity investor, backed the management team at Mandata in a £20m deal to help drive forward growth plans and accelerate organic growth. Last year Mandata acquired Returnloads.net, the UK’s largest online haulage and freight exchange.
Software that gives businesses control
Chris Rigg, CEO of Mandata Group, said: "This is an incredibly exciting announcement which brings together two of the largest providers of TMS solutions to the road transport and logistics sector."
“Road transport operators are under more pressure than ever to run their businesses more effectively.
"Increasing operating costs, customer expectation, regulations and market competition mean that transport operators need to invest in software solutions that allow them to take more control of their businesses, driving increased visibility and productivity.
“The sector is changing at an incredible pace as transport operators look for scalable solutions that help them run more of their business process. That’s where our range of TMS solutions comes in.
“Both companies have worked tirelessly to create solutions that help their customers improve the way they operate their business.
"By bringing Stirling Solutions into our broader group, we will be able to service the needs of those customers more effectively as we move forward in a market placing increased pressure on operators."
Moving to the next level
Jonathan Ball remains managing director of Stirling and joins the Mandata Group Board with immediate effect. He said: "I am very proud of the team that we have built at Stirling and of the products we have developed.
“Joining Mandata Group gives us an opportunity to take things to the next level and achieve more than we could have done by ourselves."
An important milestone
Gareth Marshall, Head of North East at LDC, said: “Mandata’s success reflects the North East’s growing reputation for technology and digital innovation. The strength of its proposition was a big part of the reason we backed the business in 2018.
“This deal is an important milestone in Mandata’s ambitious growth plan and we’re confident that the newly formed group will take advantage of the skills and products Stirling Solutions brings to the table.
“UK transport, and the infrastructure that supports it, is becoming increasingly digital. The Mandata Group is well positioned to help the road haulage industry thrive in this fast-changing environment.”
For more information, help or advice, contact Adam Rayner on 0191 211 7962 or [email protected]